The French Senate has called for new efforts to tackle air pollution, arguing it inflates healthcare costs, reduces economic productivity and agricultural yields, and has put Paris in the EU's bad books. EurActiv France reports .

While the European Commission wants the food industry to become more innovative and create jobs in Europe, the analysis of the risk factors also has to evolve, says the EU's food safety agency. EurActiv reports from Expo Milano 2015.

The European Commission’s drive to simplify legislation for businesses – the Better Regulation Agenda – has come under fire from trade unions for blocking EU laws that could save thousands of lives per year.

European food safety officials found there was no need to widen buffer zones around genetically modified (GM) crops, even though research shows that pollen from GM maize can travel kilometres further than previously thought.

Friends of the Earth Germany (BUND) sees the transatlantic trade agreement TTIP as a threat to standards protecting against chemicals that may be harmful to humans and the environment. The chemicals industry “vehemently” objected to the NGO’s claim. EurActiv Germany reports .

Deadlocked draft European Union laws to extend maternity leave to 18 weeks will be ditched, but only after the European Commission puts forward replacement rules with more chance of being backed by national governments.

The French Council of State has questioned the constitutionality of the country’s ban on Bisphenol A in food packaging, following a request from the plastics industry. The chemical was outlawed in January this year. EurActiv France reports .